Sırrı Süreyya Önder, prominent Turkish politician, dies at 62

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS
ISTANBUL, Turkey — Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a senior Turkish lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament known for his role in the Kurdish peace process and his cultural contributions, has died at the age of 62 following a heart attack.

Önder, a member of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and one of the most distinctive figures in Turkish politics, passed away after being hospitalized in intensive care.

Political career and public role

Önder served as a member of parliament representing Istanbul and held the position of deputy speaker in the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

He played a key role during the 2013–2015 peace process between the Turkish government and Kurdish representatives, acting as part of the İmralı delegation that facilitated dialogue between jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and Ankara.

In recent months, he remained involved in renewed contacts between political actors as part of ongoing discussions related to the Kurdish issue.

From activism to parliament

Born in 1962 in Adıyaman, Önder became politically active at a young age and was involved in leftist movements during his youth.

Following the 1980 military coup, he was detained and spent several years in prison due to his political activities.

After his release, he worked in various jobs before gaining recognition in the cultural sphere through writing and filmmaking.

Cultural contributions

Beyond politics, Önder was known as a screenwriter, director, and author.

He co-wrote and co-directed the film “Beynelmilel” in 2006, which received critical acclaim, and contributed to several other film and television projects.

His work helped establish him as a public intellectual with influence beyond the political arena.

Role in key political moments

Önder was among the prominent figures during the Gezi Park protests in 2013, where he physically intervened to prevent construction equipment from entering the park in the early days of the demonstrations.

He later became a leading figure in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which aimed to unite various opposition movements under a broader political platform.

Legal challenges and later years

In the years following the collapse of the peace process, Önder faced legal challenges, including arrest and imprisonment on charges related to terrorism propaganda. He was later released and continued his political career.

In the 2023 general elections, he was elected as a DEM Party lawmaker and resumed an active role in parliament.

Final days

Önder was hospitalized on April 15 after suffering a heart attack. Doctors diagnosed a tear in his aorta, and he underwent a lengthy emergency surgery.

Despite medical intervention, he died on May 3 due to multiple organ failure.

Legacy

Önder is widely remembered as a unique figure in Turkish politics, known for his humor, communication style, and ability to engage with different segments of society.

His role in peace negotiations and his contributions to culture have left a lasting impact on both political and public life in Turkey.

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